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Officials and supervisors have allowed and even encouraged hatred at the Maumee Distribution Center in Ohio, according to the lawsuit filed Wednesday afternoon in Lucas County Court in Ohio.
The workers claim that nooses were hanging over the workstation of an African-American employee, that a monkey doll disguised as a UPS employee was placed close to the office. other people and that the word N has been frequently used.
Workers, many of whom have been working in the business for more than two decades, contend that racist remarks provoked reactions ranging from "fear, anger and disgust to dismay" regarding comments and lack of action. on the part of the company.
"UPS promptly initiated an investigation and took prompt disciplinary action against those found to have committed improper acts, including the dismissal of two employees," Glenn Zaccara, Director of Corporate Relations, told CNN. companies at UPS, as a result of a call.
Zaccara said that since then, the company had participated in "corrective actions" in cooperation with the Civil Rights Commission of Ohio to provide training for employees and had also overseen its operations to ensure a positive and free environment harassment.
"The company has strict policies against harassment and discrimination," Zaccara said. "When an incident is reported, UPS takes the case seriously, does a thorough investigation and takes appropriate disciplinary action against those found guilty of misconduct."
The lawsuit describes in detail various incidents that occurred in the UPS distribution center during the years in which the workers worked there.
According to an employee, a text message sent by a group of white colleagues about possible lottery winnings in July 2016 contained "racist" and "shocking" messages, according to the trial, including: "If you feel discouraged, the noose is loose; " "Can we buy another noose with the winnings" and "As Clint Eastwood said:" Hang 'em High. "
The lawyers said that in the lawsuit, the incident had been reported to management, but that no disciplinary action had been taken. White colleagues maintained that it was a joke, according to the lawsuit.
In September 2016, "a white UPS employee said:" I'm late for a Klan meeting, "according to the lawsuit." Again, no action has been taken. " was taken, according to the lawyers.The comment was made in front of a black colleague and a white colleague, depending on the suit.
The attorneys also said that a white UPS driver had refused to deliver a package in September 2016 because "he" did not want to deliver to "Niggerville" or go to & # 39; "Nigger City", according to the lawsuit.
Workers also accuse society of denying black workers opportunities in society based on their race.
"African-American employees are disproportionately employed by UPS in lower-paying, painful, subordinate, part-time or seasonal jobs and are systematically denied opportunities for higher-paying, full-time and supervisory positions," argue the lawyers.
This creates an uncomfortable and unsuitable environment for black workers, according to the lawyers, and is an example of the company's failure.
"The newspaper promises UPS to be an employer guaranteeing equal opportunities, with zero tolerance for racist speech or behavior, is in practice only empty promises," the lawyers said. workers in the complaint. "Afro-American employees go to work every day, not knowing if a racist comment or behavior will confront them, fearing that white employees will chuckle or laugh at them because of their race and walking on eggs to avoid provoking them. a problem."
The lawyers are asking a judge to award each worker at least $ 25,000 in damages, a remedy to remedy the company's "pattern and practice of discrimination", as well as legal costs.
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